Wouldn't the first *four channel* 1/4" be 1971, Teac, followed closely by Sony? I still have an 854-4 in prefect shape� <L> Lou Judson � Intuitive Audio 415-883-2689 On Jun 10, 2009, at 2:41 PM, Richard L. Hess wrote: > At 05:29 PM 2009-06-10, Stewart Adam wrote: >> Does any one know when the first 1/4" 4 track recorders became >> available. Either professional or consumer > > Hello, Stewart, > > http://richardhess.com/notes/2007/11/26/rca-sound-tape-cartridge- > and-quarter-track-reel-introduction-date/ > > October 1959 just in time for 1959 Christmas shopping--both reel-to- > reel and the RCA Sound Tape Cartridge format. > > Cheers, > > Richard